Summer Harvest Hacks: Prep, Preserve, and Present Like a Pro
Get Ready to Feast on Summer’s Bounty
When the farmers’ market is overflowing with juicy cherries, plump blueberries, and vibrant zucchini, you want to make the most of it. From breakfast to dinner, and even into dessert, summer produce is the star of the show. But before you can indulge, you need to prep those fruits and veggies. Fear not! These clever kitchen hacks will help you peel, slice, and pit your way to a stress-free summer of eating.
Prep Like a Pro
- Strawberry Hulling Made Easy: Ditch the tedious slicing and paring. Simply poke a drinking straw through the center of the strawberry to remove the hull.
- Paper Clip Cherry Pitting: No cherry pitter? No problem! Use a paper clip to quickly and easily remove those pesky pits.
- Corn Prep Made Neat: Anchor your corn cob on a bundt pan or tube pan, then slice away. The pan catches the kernels, keeping your prep area tidy.
- Speedy Cherry Tomato Slicing: Place cherry tomatoes between two plastic lids and slice through them all at once. Voilà!
- Tongs for Tangy Citrus: Say goodbye to tedious hand-squeezing and hello to easy juicing with a pair of kitchen tongs.
Preserve the Harvest
- Berry Freshness Hack: Rinse berries in a 3-1 water to white vinegar solution to extend their freshness.
- Rescue Overripe Fruit with Shrubs: Turn overripe fruit into a delicious fruit-infused drinking vinegar perfect for mocktails or cocktails.
- Oven-Dried Fruit Delights: Dry excess fruit in your oven to enjoy in granola or as a healthy snack.
- Fruit Ice Cubes for a Refreshing Twist: Freeze fresh fruit and herbs with water in ice cube trays for a flavorful and elegant way to chill your drinks.
Present Your Harvest with Flair
- Melon Rind Fruit Bowls: Reuse melon rinds as a unique and eco-friendly fruit bowl for a stunning summer display.
- Citrus Rind Sorbet Cups: Scoop out citrus rinds and fill them with homemade or store-bought sorbet for a fun and impressive dessert.
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